Yeungnam University is the second largest school in Korea with over 30,000 students in 900 acres of campus. It was founded in 1968. They received a four year grant from the Korean government to help a school of higher learning, outside of Korea, English speaking, to set-up a degree program with focus on community development, inspired by Korea’s own community development experience.
Korea has a remarkable story to tell, on how they rose from being one of the poorest countries to an economic power today after only 40 years. They credit this transformation through community participation.
Their blueprint was documented, well preserved for future generation’s references. Their archives are complete and had been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage.
From a poor country, Korea is now a donor country. They want to help other countries get out of poverty by using Korea’s own proven experiences.
Yeungnam University wants to partner with Enderun College to set up a stand alone Economics course with major in Community Development.
I was invited for a two our focus discussion on the viability of this plan. Our thoughts were considered as those coming from the point of view of a parent.
The venue’s at the Privato Hotel along Shaw Blvd. I learned that this is being managed by Enderun Hospitality. The owner daw is a young guy named Gab Perez who’s in his mid 20s. I don’t know if true but his parents put this up daw for him. Lucky guy.
This is the view from the 7th floor.
Ang sabi sa akin ay 1 pm – 3 pm. I arrived at 12:40 pm. Some came in at 1:30, others at 2 pm!
Enderun’s director of academic support, JB Cuaresma with Dr. Lee, Professor from Yeungnam University.
We were in a small room with two very large air con units. I had my shawl unfortunately, when I left the room, I dropped my shawl and no one found it according to the report.
They served us club house sandwiches.
We just said that courses must be more practical and relevant.
Our country has more than a hundred million population. Most are trapped in a cycle of poverty. We need a change of mindset, values and diligence. From self entitlement and paasa-asa lang, to SELF-HELP.
I would like to express my appreciation to Yeungnam University, represented by Prof. Byeong Wan Lee, Ph.D., for choosing the Philippines as a beneficiary of this educational grant.
William Turingan, Professor JB, Professor Dr. Lee, Madonna Ma, OMB, Mr. Trinidad
